Robert Kirk Dickinson, 62, of Gorham, died Thursday, August 27, 2026, at HaysMed.
Kirk was born May 20, 1964, on the family farm in rural Gorham, the son of Robert “Bob” Louis and Janice I. (Miller) Dickinson. He graduated from Natoma High School in 1983, attended Colby Community College where he was a member of the Judging Team, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University.
On June 6, 1987, Kirk was united in marriage to Coleen Masters in Hays. Together, they built a life centered around their family, their farm, and the things they believed were worth working for. They were blessed with four children: Robert Casey, Mitchell, Lukas, and Abigail. Kirk loved K-State and was proud that he and Coleen were able to ensure all four of their children had the opportunity to graduate from K-State.
Kirk was a hard-working rancher, farmer, cattleman, and steward of the land. With Coleen always at his side, he devoted his life to two things above all else: helping the people he cared about and building a cattle herd and genetics he could be proud to share with customers and friends.
He raised Simmental, Angus, and Red Angus cattle with a vision that went far beyond sale prices, banners, or industry trends. Kirk believed in producing affordable, accessible, and functional genetics—cattle that worked for ranching families and would stand the test of time. To him, success was measured by whether his cattle could help another family make a living, build a herd, and keep their ranch in the family for another generation.
Kirk served on the Ellis County Extension Board, and he and Coleen were honored with the Ellis County Soil Conservation Award in 2023 and the Friends of 4-H Award in 2025. A jack of all trades and master of some, he could build or fix just about anything, including the home he and Coleen built from the ground up.
Kirk had a heart for helping people and was a natural mentor. He impacted the lives of countless young men who worked alongside him on the farm, sharing his knowledge freely, expecting hard work, and leading by example.
As much as Kirk loved cattle and the farm, his greatest legacy was his family and the people whose lives he touched. He loved family camping trips at the lake and their summer vacations to the mountains and anywhere the weather was a little cooler. He was a husband, father, grandfather, cattleman, mentor, friend, and hero. The lessons he taught, the values he lived by, and the work he poured his heart into will continue through those who loved him.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Coleen of Gorham; his sons, Robert Casey Dickinson and wife Katelyn of Russell, Mitchell Dickinson and Gabrielle Chittenden of Gorham, and Lukas Dickinson of Victoria; his daughter, Abigail Jackson and husband Ryan of Victoria; his mother-in-law, Dianne Masters of Natoma; his grandchildren, Robert Stetson and Jolee Dickinson; a grandson due in October; and his sisters, Cathy, Valerie, and Sheryl.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Bob” and Janice Dickinson, and his father-in-law, Milan Masters.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, with Fr. Curtis Carlson, OFM officiating. Burial will follow in St. Fidelis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 a.m. until service time Thursday at the Basilica. A prayer service will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials payable to the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Ellis County 4-H, or to the Kansas Junior Simmental Association. Condolences and memories of Kirk may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com
His work is finished, but his legacy is not.